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No matter how much expertise a job seeker has, there are eight major mistakes that can be the downfall of an otherwise stellar applicant. Don’t let these pitfalls undermine your success:

1. Not activating their network. According to research, between 70 and 80% of jobs are found through a network connection. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 70% of all jobs are found through networking. A report from ABC News showed an even higher number, indicating that 80% of jobs are found through networking. If you are spending your time at online job boards and sending blind resumes, you’re squandering your effort. Identify the ten most important people for you to know and the most valuable people in your network, and focus your time and attention on them.

2. Thinking that qualified = hired. Being able to tick the box next to all the job requirements merely gets you into the game. It is rarely enough to tip the scales in your favor over your competitors. Yet many job seekers ignore what’s required beyond the basic qualifications. You need to understand your brand differentiation. What can you bring to the role that your peers cannot? How can you contribute in a unique and valuable way? And how can you express that in a way that helps you stand out from the pack?

3. Not focusing attention on your virtual brand. If you don’t show up in Google, you don’t exist, and if you do show up but your online profile is not compelling, you get eliminated from the pack. Today, you need to expect that hiring managers and recruiters will Google you. And you need to use this fact to get them interested in you. Remember, your online profile is often the first impression you deliver – formed well before you meet in person – and first impressions last. So make sure the virtual you is as fascinating as the real-world you. Start with a stellar LinkedIn profile, then use the tools that help you best express what makes you relevant and compelling.

4. Being flexible instead of focused. Trying to be relevant to a variety of jobs openings typically makes you the ideal candidate for none. The “everything but the kitchen sink” resume will work against you. If you’re pursuing Any Job as opposed to the right job, you will be the almost perfect candidate for a lot of opportunities. It’s scary to take a stand and pitch yourself for a specific set of jobs, but it makes your search easier, and your chances of being hired will increase. Don’t try to be all things to all people.

5. Being unprepared for job interviews. Today, it’s assumed that you have done research on the company and the people you are meeting. Doing your homework is expected, not the exception. Your competition is scouring the web to learn as much as they can. They have set up Google Alerts for the company and key executives. They have prepared questions related to what they learn from their search. How will you measure up if you have not done at least the same level of research?

6. Dissing your former company. Badmouthing previous bosses or companies is never a good idea, even if the company you’re interviewing with is a fierce competitor of your previous employer. An attitude of angst tells the interviewer you make excuses and don’t take responsibility. Blame and negativity have no place in a job interview (or in the world, for that matter). Learn how to position any challenges from previous employment in positive terms, in a way that shows that you learn, grow and are committed to delivering your best – always.

7. Missing the follow-up opportunity. Getting the job is about differentiating yourself from others who seek the same role. After you make it to the shortlist and ace the interview, you need to stand out from the others who are in serious consideration – the people who also aced their interviews. How you follow up can seal your fate. Develop a plan for thanking and acknowledging the people you met. You have to go beyond the email “Thank You.” You need to deliver something that will make those you met pause and take note.

8. Not budgeting for your job search. You need to invest in yourself when searching for a job. Setting a budget in advance will make it easier for you to access the services and resources you need to help you get the job. You need to think of this as an investment, not an expense. When you’re unemployed and seeking a job, money fears are heightened. Your impulse is to save as much money as you can. This will work against you if you scrimp on your career quest. When you set a budget and allocate funds to your search, it will be easier to make that investment. So how do you invest your New Job fund? Here are a few wise ways to gain a competitive edge: Career coach, personal branding strategist, resume writer, personal stationery and thank you cards, web site or online branding coach, membership dues for professional associations, interview clothing, and networking lunches.

There’s no need to make the quest for success more stressful than it has to be. Avoiding all eight of these gaffes will give you the extra boost of confidence you need to move ahead of the pack.